Kilimanjaro Machame Route — 7 Days
Overview
The most popular and scenic route on Kilimanjaro. The "Whiskey Route" winds through rainforest, moorland, and the dramatic Southern Circuit with superb acclimatisation and a 92% summit success rate.
Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Transfer from Moshi to Machame Gate (1,830 m). After registration and a gear check, begin trekking through dense rainforest. Encounter colobus monkeys and diverse birdlife. Arrive at Machame Camp (3,021 m) for dinner and overnight.
Leave the forest behind and climb steeply through heath and moorland. Pass the Shira Plateau and enjoy your first views of Kibo. Arrive at Shira Camp (3,840 m). Afternoon acclimatisation walk recommended.
Classic "climb high, sleep low" acclimatisation day. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp (3,976 m). This critical day helps your body produce more red blood cells before the final push.
Extra day unique to our 7-day itinerary. Begin with the famous Barranco Wall — a fun scramble with tremendous exposure and sweeping views. Continue across the Southern Circuit to Karanga Camp (4,035 m). This extra day significantly boosts summit success.
Short but steep climb to Barafu Camp (4,673 m) — base camp for the summit attempt. Rest, hydrate, and prepare your summit gear. Early dinner around 18:00, then sleep until midnight.
Midnight start. Trek through the arctic zone by headlamp in freezing temperatures. Reach Stella Point (5,756 m) at sunrise — one of Africa's most breathtaking moments. Continue 45 minutes along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Descend all the way to Mweka Camp (3,068 m) for a well-earned rest.
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m). Receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for celebrations, a hot shower, and dinner.
Route Map
Map shows approximate camp locations along the route. Elevation data shown in meters and feet.
About This Package
The Machame Route is widely regarded as the most beautiful path up Kilimanjaro. Known as the "Whiskey Route" for its challenging but rewarding nature, it traverses five distinct ecological zones — rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit. The 7-day itinerary allows an extra acclimatisation day at Barranco Camp, dramatically improving summit success rates. You'll traverse the famous Barranco Wall, spend a sunrise at Stella Point, and reach Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, at 5,895 m. Our 7-day version adds the crucial extra day compared to the standard 6-day route, giving your body more time to adjust and significantly increasing your chances of standing at the summit.
What's Included
- Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- All park & conservation fees (KINAPA)
- Professional KINAPA-certified lead guide
- Experienced assistant guides (1 per 2 climbers)
- Porters for all group camping equipment
- Porter for personal luggage up to 15 kg
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water throughout the trek
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent)
- Emergency oxygen cylinder & pulse oximeter
- Rescue evacuation insurance (helicopter)
- First-aid kit & emergency medication
- Pre-climb briefing & gear check
- Summit certificate
- Hotel accommodation (1 night pre + 1 night post trek)
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal hiking gear & sleeping bag (rentals available)
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Phone charging & Wi-Fi (available at some camps for a fee)
- Personal snacks & energy bars
- Extra hotel nights
$2,495
per personFree cancellation up to 90 days before departure
Quick Facts
Ready to Book This Adventure?
Contact us now and start planning your Kilimanjaro Machame Route — 7 Days expedition.